Photographer: C. Aluka Berry / The State / Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Photographer: C. Aluka Berry / The State / Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Five lawyers, including Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, left the legal team representing former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial, CNN reported, citing a person familiar with the changes.
The exits of Bowers and Barbier, who were supposed to be the main lawyers, were mutually agreed in both cases, the broadcaster quoted the person as saying.
Josh Howard, a North Carolina lawyer recently added to the team, also left, the report said, citing another person familiar with the situation. Two other lawyers involved in the case, Johnny Gasser and Greg Harris, left, according to CNN.
The lawyers left because of a disagreement over the strategy, according to the report. Trump wanted them to pursue claims that the election was stolen, instead of challenging the legality of convicting a former president, CNN said, citing a person familiar with the layoffs.
CNN said it tried to contact lawyers for comment.
Bowers is best known for helping South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford in 2009, when the Republican-led legislature considered impeachment after him AdmitTed lying to advisers about walking the Appalachian Trail when he was in Argentina with his mistress.
Deborah Barbier is a former federal prosecutor who became a defense attorney and specialized in white collar crimes.
(Adds details to the entire updated CNN report)